This trip generally involves an average of 4 – 5 hours slow but steady walk in a day. This rating is for less than 7 days walk below 3500 meters.
Nepal is a paradise for bird lovers with over 856 species (almost 10% of the world total) of birds. And among them almost 500 hundred species are found in the Kathmandu Valley alone. The most popular bird watching spots in Kathmandu, Godavari, Nagarjun, and so on, outside for Chitwan.
Langtang Ri Trekking & expedition representative will greet you in an airport & transfer you to hotel; here you will be formally introduced to your Guide and the activities to be enjoyed over the next few days. We will also ask for your passport photographs and any other details required for your trek permits, at this stage.
After breakfast, continue drive to Pulchowki which is an ideal site, with a Redheaded Trogan, a very rate bird sighted there in April 2002 (it was last seen in Nepal 44 years ago). Phulchowki is located at 2760 meters and 18kms southeast of Kathmandu and one can reach via Godawari – the Botanical Gardens. Walking can start from behind the gardens, with a combination of trails and roads. The hillside is covered with forest featuring outstanding flora as well as diverse birds. About 90 species have been recorded in this area including the endemic spring babbler, as well as the Curia, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Rufus Bellied Pied Woodpeckers and the Black-throated Parrot bill etc.
This Day after breakfast, fly to Biratnagar & continue drive to Koshi Tappu Aqua Birds resort.The wetland of Koshi Tappu is the major international staging point for migratory wader, waterfowls and the birds of prey in Nepal. The area is the largest expanse of wetland in Nepal and holds rich variety of marsh birds. It is also of interest for some birds typical of dry grassland and shrubs.The Koshi is great for waterfowl and waders, with about 26 varieties of ducks alone. Here the method of viewing is by boat, gliding through the waters in the stillness of the early morning and evenings. Over 450 species have been sighted hare, including Black Ibis, Honey Kites, Ospreys, Black Headed Orioles, Peregrine Falcon, Partridges.
This day after breakfast , you will do birding in the Chatara-Dharan Forest. One can extend to do birding in the Mai Valley-Hangetham or Ilam – Sunischare that will require additional five days. The best sites for bird-watching are between the river, grassland, bushes and marshes along the eastern embankments from Haripur to Madhuban. The barrage and the wetlands nearby it, the Pink tower is also good for bird-watching. Rare mammals occurring are Gangetic Dolphins, Wild Water Buffalo, Smooth Coated Otters, Fishing Cats, Nilgai Antelope, and Hog Deer etc.Bengal and Lesser Florican, Indian Courser, Hodgson’s Bushchat can be found north of the Pink Tower. In the barrage Little Pratincole, Indian Skimmer, waders, gulls, terns etc can be seen.
This morning after breakfast, drive to Chitwan. Chitwan is in the lowlands of Nepal, known as the Terai. The Chitwan National park is the best-known site in Nepal for bird watching. Bird watching need to be done from the safely of a chair, the back of an elephant or in a jeep (by far the last choice) and if you wish to walk, accompanied by a guide or a naturalist, or preferably an ornithologist. The area consists of Sal Forest, Riverine forest, and grasslands, with three rivers forming the boundaries of the park. Some 500 species have been recorded in Chitwan and some of them are Blue Indian Roller, Stork-billed Kingfishers, Bengal Florican, Asian Paradise Flycatcher, Bee-eaters, and Cormorants.
Wake up call followed by tea/ coffee. Bird watching / Elephant Safari / Jungle walk. After breakfast Crocodile walk, walk through grassland and forest upstream of the Narayani River. Board boats to observe crocodiles along the banks while floating back to the camp. After Lunch activities like elephant Safari /Jungle Walk / Visit Observation Tower / Nature Walk with Boat Ride. Evening dinner with followed by (Tharu stick dance) , Cultural activities.
Wake up call followed by tea/ coffee. Enjoy one activities & fly to Kathmandu. Later afternoon is free day and you can use it for your shopping. In the evening we will drive you for farewell dinner with cultural dance.
All too soon it’s time to bid Nepal farewell and one realizes that we can never be intimate, only acquainted, with this amazing Himalayan adventure.
Equipment for Bird watching
Optics
Binoculars
Telescope
Tripod / optical support
Camera
Getting Started
Binoculars and a warm jacket will get you started on your new bird watching adventure. Choose binoculars strong enough to view birds in their nests high atop the tallest tree, or across a crevasse. Look for strong straps and a quality carrying / storage case.
Our bird watching day was a great success, with an extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
If I ever come back to Nepal, I will be in touch.
Kind regards, and namaste,
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